A NEW fundraising campaign to purchase an additional boat for Cotehele Quay Gig Club has been launched.

A quiz night and barbecue will take place on July 5 at Harrowbarrow and Metherell Village Hall as the first of a string of fundraisers to help pull in the £27,000 needed to buy a new boat and oars.

Despite only being founded in 2010, Cotehele Quay gig club — based at the National Trust property on the River Tamar — has more than 100 members from aged 12 to over 60 and is struggling to cope with just two racing gigs and one plastic training boat.

Grants and fundraising officer Jade Farrington said: 'Gig rowing is the fastest growing sport in the South West and we cater to everyone from the most competitive to those who just want to enjoy a gentle row down the Tamar in the sunshine.

'The fact that more and more people want to join is great but we don't have enough boats so we're raising funds with the aim of buying a new racing gig as soon as possible.'

The ladies' A crew is organising the quiz and barbecue to kick off the club's efforts and hopes non-rowers will come along to enjoy the evening which is open to everyone. The events starts at 7.30pm.

Entry is £5 per person to include your first drink and there will be a licensed bar and prizes. Teams of up to six people can take part.

Anyone aged 12 or over can try gig rowing for free by contacting club secretary Rita Hoile at [email protected]">[email protected] or 01822 834384. To find out more, visit www,facebook.com/cotehelequaygigclub or go along to the quiz.